The generator was running in the basement: three people died in Kyiv Oblast, including a child
In the village of Chupyra, Bila Tserkva district, Kyiv Oblast, on November 8, three people died, including a girl. Another child was hospitalized. According to preliminary data from rescuers, the cause was carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator running in the basement.
As reported by the Main Department of the State Emergency Service in Kyiv Oblast, the call was received by the rescue service at 09:20. A man, a woman, and a girl died. The injured boy was taken to the children's hospital. His condition has not been specified in the report.
Rescuers connect the incident with improper operation of the generator, but emphasize the preliminary nature of this data. The State Emergency Service reminds: using generators in residential premises, basements, and other enclosed spaces is prohibited.
An open window or door does not make the operation of a portable fuel generator indoors safe. Carbon monoxide is contained in exhaust gases and can accumulate in a room. It is colorless and odorless, so the absence of a noticeable smell does not mean there is no danger.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) separately warns: a generator must not be started inside the house or garage, even with windows and doors open. It should be used only outside, away from places through which exhaust can enter the building.
In the State Emergency Service recommendations, a distance of at least six meters from doors and windows is indicated. The CDC also recommends installing carbon monoxide detectors with battery power or backup battery near sleeping areas. A detector does not replace safe generator placement.
Possible signs of poisoning include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and confusion. If such symptoms appear near a running generator or there is other suspicion of carbon monoxide, you must immediately go outside for fresh air and from a safe place call emergency medical services by dialing 103.
If the carbon monoxide detector alarms, also go outside immediately and from a safe place call emergency services by dialing 101 or 112, even if there are no symptoms. Do not stay indoors looking for the source and do not return until rescuers give permission.
Based on materials from: State Emergency Service of Kyiv Oblast, State Emergency Service recommendations, CDC, Ministry of Health of Ukraine, US Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Photo: A portable gasoline generator. Archival illustrative photo, September 5, 2004: Gbleem / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.
